choice
noun (countable)
UK/tʃɔɪs/US/tʃɔɪs/
An act or instance of selecting among multiple possibilities; the power, right, or opportunity to choose.
Example Sentences
He had to make a difficult choice between two excellent job offers.
There’s always a choice, even in situations that seem limiting.
The choice was hers: stay and continue working or move on to a new path.
Too many options can make a simple choice feel overwhelming.
Your choice of words can significantly impact how others perceive you.
She took her time weighing each choice carefully before settling on one.
When faced with a major life decision, it often helps to write down each possible choice and list its pros and cons, ensuring a balanced perspective and thoughtful outcome.
We sometimes forget that every single day presents us with a new choice—whether it’s about pursuing our dreams, building stronger relationships, or simply treating others with kindness.
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adjective
UK/tʃɔɪs/US/tʃɔɪs/
Of very good quality; selected or carefully chosen, especially referring to food or other items.
Example Sentences
The butcher recommended a choice cut of beef for the dinner party.
She picked only the choice fruits from the orchard for the pie.
The menu features several choice dishes made with organic ingredients.
Customers often pay more for choice products recognized for their superior quality.
Choice coffee beans can vastly improve the flavor of your morning cup.
He complimented the chef on the choice produce used in the seasonal salad.
The restaurant’s reputation soared after featuring choice ingredients and locally sourced produce in every dish, satisfying even the most discerning palates.
When curating an art exhibition, the curator ensured that each piece displayed was a choice example of the artist’s portfolio, representing the pinnacle of creative craftsmanship.
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How to Use
Refers to the act or possibility of selecting an option.In everyday use, this noun indicates the act or the freedom to select from various possibilities. For example, you might say, “It’s your choice whether to stay or leave,” placing responsibility on the individual to decide. “Choice” also describes the option or decision itself, as in “She made the right choice for her career.” It highlights personal agency, suggesting control over outcomes. You might see it in contexts ranging from casual to formal: everyday situations (“I have a choice between coffee or tea”) or important life decisions (“Choosing a university is a critical choice”). In marketing or product scenarios, “choice” can mean range or variety, such as a “wide choice of options available.” Phrases like “by choice” underline voluntary action, whereas “have no choice” signals compulsion. When using it in speech or writing, clarify the range of possibilities, who’s making the decision, and what’s at stake. This term carries a sense of empowerment, though it can also introduce pressure if the decision is difficult. By specifying the context—everyday selections, life-altering moves, or carefully curated product lines—you ensure your audience understands the nature and implications of the choice involved.
Alternatives
For clarity or stylistic variety, you may opt for related terms. “Option” often highlights one possibility among several (“You have several options”). “Decision” emphasizes the process of concluding or selecting among alternatives. “Selection” captures a more neutral sense of picking something from a list or group. If pointing to personal will or freedom, “volition” or “free will” adds a philosophical layer, albeit in more formal contexts. Meanwhile, “preference” can shift focus onto the individual’s personal taste or inclination. When discussing particularly tough or significant choices, words like “dilemma” or “crossroads” underline difficulty or a pivotal turning point. “Alternative” may stress an unconventional or second possibility. Using these synonyms or phrases helps keep your writing or speech dynamic, while tailoring how strongly you spotlight personal agency, complexity, or variety in the decision-making process. Choose whichever term suits the context—everyday decisions, important life events, or professional analyses—to shape the tone and detail of your discussion.
Writing
When writing about this concept, you can illustrate how different choices shape personal or group outcomes, emphasizing the weight or freedom of decision-making. In a persuasive essay, you might argue that having choices is fundamental to autonomy or democracy. A narrative could revolve around a protagonist facing difficult choices that define their journey. In informational or academic pieces, you might examine decision-making processes—exploring how people weigh pros and cons, or how too many choices can lead to decision fatigue. Be specific: highlight what the options are, why they matter, and what consequences or benefits may follow each route. If you want to show how choices build suspense or tension, you can underscore risk, uncertainty, and the emotional stakes. Conversely, use it in a more positive sense—like showcasing the “luxury of choice” in a consumer-driven environment. Employ synonyms sparingly to avoid repetitiveness, yet keep in mind that each conveys a slightly different nuance—“option,” “decision,” or “preference.” A well-structured piece on choices helps readers see the broader context of why they matter, how they’re made, and what they reveal about personal and societal values.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, “choice” pops up when selecting what to eat, wear, or do. Someone might say, “Your choice,” passing the decision to a friend, or “I have no choice,” showing they feel compelled by circumstances. It’s common to hear compliments like, “Good choice!”—applauding someone’s pick, whether it’s an outfit, restaurant, or weekend plan. If you’re offering multiple possibilities, you might say, “We have a choice between action movies or a comedy tonight,” letting others weigh in. Jokingly, you might remark, “I have too many choices,” when an abundance of options feels overwhelming. The flexibility of “choice” makes it a go-to word for day-to-day decisions, big or small. You can also use “by choice” to emphasize that you’re doing something deliberately: “I’m working late by choice.” Using it casually doesn’t demand heavy detail—just be clear about who’s deciding what and why. Whether it’s about picking a meal, booking a vacation, or considering a career, “choice” neatly captures everyday decision-making and agency in a friendly, direct way.
Etymology
The word “choice” traces back to the Old French “choisir,” meaning “to choose,” itself derived from the Germanic root likely related to “kausjan,” suggesting an idea of testing or tasting. This roots-based sense points to selecting something that best fits or pleases, reflecting the notion of discernment or personal preference. Over centuries, English speakers expanded “choice” beyond purely personal tastes to encompass broader situations: moral decisions, consumer variety, legal rights, and strategic selections. Its strong tie to individual agency has remained consistent, whether in medieval European contexts where feudal obligations limited many people’s options, or in modern consumer cultures boasting abundant product lines. Despite changes in lifestyle and technology, the essential meaning of evaluating multiple possibilities to arrive at one outcome endures. Today’s usage preserves that combination of freedom, responsibility, and discernment, confirming “choice” as a core human concept tied to autonomy and potential.